The Internet is changing the way Africans engage with politics, as we recently saw during national elections in countries such as Kenya and Zimbabwe. In next month’s elections, South Africans will celebrate 20 years of Democracy when they step out to vote, reflecting on how far their nation has come since the first free and fair elections in 1994, as well as considering the most pressing issues affecting their lives. That’s why today we’re launching the South African Elections Hub, a portal where you can follow the latest elections news, videos and information.

Voters are already turning to the Internet for information, searching for the latest news and views from parties, candidates, the media and friends. Earlier this year we saw an increase in search topics such as how to register to vote. Similar to other elections around the world, we want to help make it easier for South African voters and media to find elections-related information. Our Elections Hub is as a one-stop site compiling election related information from across the web, including party and candidate information, where to vote, real-time election news, search trends, and some of the most engaging YouTube videos from a wide range of political parties, media, civil society and youth voices.

As well as helping to drive voter engagement, We have trained local political parties, the media and youth on how to use digital tools for elections. We’re especially excited about the way young people are using the Internet to make their voices heard, through YouTube videos such as those by Live Magazine. We’ve supported these young people to engage their peers across the country in debates using technology such as Hangouts on Air.

The world will be watching closely as South Africa moves towards voting day, and we hope that citizens find the Elections Hub useful during this important time.